Apparatus for securing and carrying white goods and furniture

ABSTRACT

The present invention pertains to an apparatus adapted for temporarily securing and carrying objects that might otherwise be difficult or awkward to lift and move. The invention in its basic form comprises two-strap system circuits which interconnect at one or more handle assemblies. The strap systems are each comprised of one L-bracket assembly, a ratchet strap, and one or more of the following: an adjustable strap, a quick draw, or an oval quick link. The system requires two circuits for each handle: one vertically disposed and one horizontally disposed, both encompassing the object. Each L-bracket assembly per strap system is incorporated to keep the said system from sliding about the object. The vertical strap system is placed at the mechanical equilibrium to keep the object balanced while carrying. By using multiple combinations of the said system a variety of objects such as white goods, couches, appliances, furniture can be comfortable displaced.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefits based on U.S. Provisional Application No. 62,212,303, filed Aug. 31, 2015

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention generally pertains to a device and method for carrying white goods or furniture; more specifically, a method that involves a two-person material-handling device.

BACKGROUND TO INVENTION

Anyone who has moved white goods or a large piece of furniture without hand holds can probably attest to how much safer and easier it would be with conveniently placed handles, especially when stairs are involved. Many technologies have been solicited to assist in this process. Some inventions can easily be employed but lack in stability and safety, such as Brian Edwards, U.S. Pat. No. 20,050,103,813 or Mark A. Lopreiato, U.S. Pat. No. 201,001,817,933. These types of straps are great for lifting but do not attached themselves directly to the object being moved and therefore can be unsafe to manipulate on stairs or other uneven terrain. Some have good stability and safety features but require excessive installation time and become inconvenient for the end user such as Jerry F. Callebresi, U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,343 which requires tools and screws to install. In addition, tarping these objects using these aforementioned devices becomes cumbersome when waterproofing is required as there is no convenient way to keep the tarp in place. Much of the prior art is both safe and convenient but lack multi-functional flexibility such as Gary Isaacson U.S. Pat. No. 20,050,194,804 which is designed for water heaters, or Ruwan Jude Arseculeratne, Rex Fernando Arseculeratne, U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,992 which is designed for crib mattresses and frame transportation.

A device is needed that is both ergonomical and easily to install yet can be safely secured to the object to be moved. The intention of the present invention is to overcome some of the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art by seeking to make the moving and lifting task both convenient through simple installation and safe, through semi-permanent attachment of the object being moved.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus adapted for temporary securing and carrying objects that might be otherwise difficult or awkward to lift and move. The invention in its basic form consists of one handle, two L brackets, two quick links and two ratchet straps. The handle is placed in a “desired” position on the object to be moved. One L bracket is placed on a vertical axis corner in the center of the object and one L bracket is placed on a horizontal axis corner in the center of the object. The L brackets are connected via a quick link and secured through the eye-bolts of the said brackets. The other end of the L brackets are connected via the eye-bolts to the ratchet strap and placed around the object and connected to the remaining eye-bolts of the handle. The L brackets prevent the handle from moving horizontally or vertically about the object. Additional handles can be added on the horizontal or vertical axis. A minimum of two L shaped brackets per handle circuit are required to keep the handle from moving, although it may contain more then one handle per circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 embodies a general incorporation of the invention on an object showing two mirrored handles

FIG. 2 embodies the handle assembly

FIG. 3 embodies a side view of the handle assembly

FIG. 4 embodies the L-bracket assembly

FIG. 5 embodies a two strap system with the handles on the same circuit

FIG. 6 embodies a three strap system with differential handles

FIG. 7 embodies the side view of the three strap differential handles system of FIG. 6

FIG. 8 embodies a photograph of a three strap system with differential handles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

Referring to FIG. 1, an apparatus 10 for securing and carrying heavy objects, in accordance with the present invention and in its general application, is shown. The carrying apparatus 10 consists of two identical handle assemblies 11 12. Referring to the visible handle assembly 11; four eye hooks 43 are located at each corner of the base 41. The carrying handle 44 is horizontally centered and secured to the base 41.

Commercially available ratchet straps 13, 14, 15, 16 are connected via their S-links to the L-bracket assemblies' 50 and carrying handle assemblies' 11, 12 eyebolts 18, 43. An oval quick link 17, 19 connects the shorter section between the L-bracket's eyebolts 18 and the carrying assembly eyebolts 43. A short strap, such as a climbing quick draw or an adjustable strap can be substituted when longer connections are required.

Functionality

The present invention requires each handle assembly to have two circuits: one vertically disposed 20 and one horizontally disposed 21. More than one handle assembly can be incorporated into the circuit but requires an additional perpendicular stabilizing circuit (see FIG. 5-1; L-bracket not shown). Referring to the vertical system: a circuit consists of one or more ratchet straps 13,15, an L-bracket 50, and a short connecting system 17. An L-bracket assembly 50, 51, is incorporated in each strap system 20, 21 to keep the said system from slipping on its axis. With the two circuits in place on an object, the handle becomes a temporary and secure grip. The handle assemblies can be placed on any desired location on the object. The vertical strap system 20 is placed at the mechanical equilibrium to keep the object balanced while being carried. By using multiple combinations of the said system as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, a variety of objects such as white goods, couches, appliances, and furniture can be comfortably displaced.

Component Details

Handle Assembly

FIGS. 2 & 3 capture in more detail the handle assembly 40 being comprised of a square-shaped base 41 composed of metal, wood, plastic or other suitable material, having a length and width of approximately 10 inches. A backing material 42 made of a soft non-abrasive material such as rubber, plastic, or cloth is applied to the back of the base 41.

Four eye hooks 43 are mounted at each corner of the base 41. The handle 44, comprised of metal or other appropriate/durable material, is secured to the base 41 with fasteners or welds and is sized to allow for a comfortable hand grip. Configurations for the handle may vary. Other gripping devices (carrying handles) maybe substituted.

L-bracket Assembly

FIG. 4 captures in more detail the L-bracket assembly 50 which is comprised of one equally proportioned metal L-shaped bracket 51 and an affixed eye hook 52 at each end. For additional strength a reinforcing L-block 53 may be incorporated. A backing 54 made of soft non-abrasive material such as rubber, plastic, or cloth is adhered to the inside of the L-bracket assembly 50. 

1. An apparatus in the assistance of temporarily securing and manhandling heavy objects such as white goods, household furniture consisting of the following: One or more handle assemblies. Two or more strap-system circuits consisting of: One or more L-bracket assemblies. Two or more straps. One or more interconnecting devices situated between the L-bracket and the handle assembly.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle assembly base is made of a diamond shaped flat surface composed of metal, wood, plastic or other suitable material
 3. Furthermore to claim 2 where the base has a backing material made of a soft non-abrasive material such as rubber, plastic, or cloth.
 4. Furthermore to claim 2 where a hand handle is placed horizontally in the center of the diamond base
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the four corners of the handle assembly are connected to the strap-system.
 6. Furthermore to claim 4 where the straps can be connected permanently for quick deployment, ease of manufacturing and mistake proofing or detached for greater usable diversity and ease of storage
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle assembly can be placed strategically on any point of the goods to be carried.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 where single or multiple handle assemblies may be used in the same circuit to distribute the weight of the load.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 where the straps can be ratchet straps, tie downs, ropes, or such as to secure the handle assemblies to the object.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 where the interconnecting device is comprised of chain links, buckles, quick draws, carabiners, or such.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 where the L-bracket is comprised of one equally proportioned metal L-shaped bracket and two affixed eye hooks or similar strap connectors located at each end.
 12. Furthermore to claim 11 where for additional strength a reinforcing L-block may be incorporated.
 13. Furthermore to claim 11 where the L-bracket is placed at a corner of the object within each of the strap-system-circuits.
 14. Furthermore to claim 13 where the L-bracket is secured to keep the handle assembly stationary. 